Grammatical Analysis
Magga: [m.] path; road; way; track. Derived from root magg (to track, trace, seek out). Doctrinally, it implies the exact path of training that must be physically traversed to reach a specific destination.
Orthodox Definition
In the fundamental layout of the Four Noble Truths, Magga constitutes the Fourth Noble Truth: the path leading directly to the absolute cessation of suffering (dukkha-nirodha-gāminī-paṭipadā). This is universally defined as the Supramundane Noble Eightfold Path (Ariya-aṭṭhaṅgika-magga).
The path is structured into eight operational limbs, grouped into three trainings:
- Paññā (Wisdom): Right View (sammā-diṭṭhi), Right Intention (sammā-saṅkappa).
- Sīla (Virtue): Right Speech (sammā-vācā), Right Action (sammā-kammanta), Right Livelihood (sammā-ājīva).
- Samādhi (Concentration): Right Effort (sammā-vāyāma), Right Mindfulness (sammā-sati), Right Concentration (sammā-samādhi).
The commentaries explain that while these factors are cultivated sequentially during the worldly stage (lokiya), they arise simultaneously and in perfect unison within a single mind-moment when entering the supramundane path (lokuttara-magga), cutting down the underlying fetters and registering Nibbāna.
Textual References
- Sutta: Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (SN 56.11) – The initial declaration of the Middle Way avoiding the extremes of sensuality and self-mortification.
- Abhidhamma: Vibhaṅga (Magga-vibhaṅga chapter).
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter XVI) – In-depth structural exegesis detailing the individual functions of each path factor.